Baseball/softball training device and method of making the same

ABSTRACT

A swing training device for improving the proper swing of ball sports including but not limited to baseball and softball. The swing training device has an elongated barrel having a substantially quasi-stadium cross-sectional shape connected to a handle portion. The hitting surface of the barrel is one of the two opposing curved surfaces of the circular segments of the quasi-stadium cross-sectional shape. The swing training device may be a modified regulation wood bat that is modified via diametrically opposing longitudinal tangential section cuts so that the un-cut curved hitting surface is oriented such that the grain runs against the ball at contact.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 63/231,475, filed 10 Aug. 2021, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to baseball/softball training devices and, more particularly, a device for training and developing an on-plane and sequenced baseball/softball bat swing.

The game of baseball is “America's pastime” and, along with softball, is played by millions of people, most of them striving to improve their batting average. The ‘art’ of hitting, though, can be very challenging because of the size and speed of the ball that ideally is hit with the relatively small “sweet spot” of the bat, wherein the ball makes contact against the grain of the wood barrel. The bat's sweet spot is the area of the bat barrel which, when striking the ball, causes a maximum transfer of energy and a minimum transfer of vibration to the hands of the batter. With standard cylindrical bats, the sweet spot is relatively small compared to the diameter and length of the bat barrel. Underlying the skill of contacting the sweet spot is a proper swing involving proper body sequencing during the hitting process. Thus, the improper baseball/softball swing is holding back players from their true potential, which can cost that player playing time, enjoyment, college scholarships, and professional contracts.

Standard wooden bats are made so that the grain of the wood runs longitudinally. When striking the ball, a wooden bat is strongest against the grain, i.e., on the edge grain or when the striking angle is generally parallel to the face plane of the grain, meaning that there are only two optimum striking faces on each bat.

A challenge for those developing their baseball swing is matching the plane of the ball from the pitcher's hand—i.e., an “on-plane swing”, wherein the striking angle is generally parallel to the face plane of the grain. When properly sequenced during the swinging process, the body is maximized for the on-plane swing as well as developing more power by using the natural strength of the body. In other words, it is preferable for hitters to develop the skill of leveling an on-plane swing where the plane of the bat's barrel travels through the strike zone coplanar with the ball plane, where the barrel travels relatively parallel with the ground because balls are thrown so that they approach the strike zone on a substantially level plane. A level swing through the strike zone generally results in more consistent and solid contact with the ball, which is achieved with the proper sequenced on-plane swing wherein the barrel must drop behind the shoulder and into the “slot” as soon as possible.

Current baseball/softball hitting training devices are not built to hold up against the speeds that enable the user to replicate game speed, and as a result current baseball/softball hitting training devices must use lighter balls at slower speeds than the game. Likewise, other baseball/softball hitting training devices do not match speeds, weights, desirable feel, or game environment conditions; examples of these include hollow bats made of metal or composite materials. Also, flat bat devices are not able to take game intensity swings with real balls at live pitching speeds.

Thus, current solutions train at a slower speed than the game, then expects the trainee to be at game speed with no practice at that speed during training. Current baseball/softball-hitting training devices also do not address proper body sequencing for proper sequenced in an on-plane swing mentioned above.

As can be seen, there is a need for a device for training and developing an on-plane and sequenced baseball/softball bat swing.

The present invention allows true game speed and thus true game speed results while developing the proper swing path and sequence. The present invention develops proper sequencing of the body's biomechanics to align the present invention to properly create the swing and match the plane of the ball out of the pitcher's hand. When properly sequenced the body is maximized for an on-plane swing wherein the ball strikes the sweet spot for maximizing power.

No other baseball/softball-swing training device allows for the same game environment as the present invention, and as a corollary the user can carry the present invention in the same bag as other standard game equipment. The present invention is the closest game speed baseball/softball-swing training device available while using the same equipment in practice as used in the game. Regulation game balls are used with the present invention, and full speed swings are honed using the present invention. Thereby, true game speed with game results is developed along with the proper swing path and sequence.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a training device, the training device includes an elongated barrel having a quasi-stadium cross section.

In another aspect of the present invention, the training device further includes the quasi-stadium cross section having two hitting surfaces diametrically opposed to each other; and two non-hitting surfaces diametrically opposed to each other, wherein each hitting surface is a curve having a radius of curvature of a regulation baseball or softball bat relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongated barrel, wherein each non-hitting surface is a flat surface, wherein each hitting surface is a curve having a radius of curvature of 1.69 to 1.81 of an inch relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongated barrel, and wherein each non-hitting surface is offset approximately 1.125 inches or less from said longitudinal axis.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of improving a bat to train a user in swinging mechanics, the method includes cutting two diametrically opposing longitudinal tangential section cuts from a distal end of a regulation bat for said user, wherein each longitudinal tangential section cut defines a sagitta height of approximately a quarter of the inch.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for improving vibrational feedback of a wood bat, the method comprising cutting two diametrically opposing longitudinal tangential section cuts from a distal end of a regulation bat for said user, wherein each longitudinal tangential section cut defines a sagitta height of approximately a quarter of the inch.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a detailed side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a detailed top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown using a proper orientation of the present invention in relation to the ball.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown using an improper orientation of the present invention in relation to the ball.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown using another improper orientation of the present invention in relation to the ball.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a swing training device for improving the proper swing of ball sports including but not limited to baseball and softball. The swing training device has an elongated barrel of a substantially quasi-stadium cross-sectional shape and a handle portion. The hitting surface of the barrel is one of the two opposing curved surfaces of the circular segments of the quasi-stadium cross-sectional shape. The swing training device may be a regulation wood bat that is modified so that the hitting surface is oriented such that the grain runs against the ball at contact.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 6 , the present invention may include a swing training device 10. The swing training device 10 can be used to train baseball and softball players on proper bat swinging mechanics. The swing training device 10 has an elongated barrel of a substantially quasi-stadium cross-sectional shaped.

The quasi-stadium is a two-dimensional geometric shape ‘constructed’ of a rectangle with two circular segments, and therefore defined by a pair of opposite rectangular sides 18 and opposite curved surfaces 16. The circular segments' (curved surfaces 16) arcs have a radius of curvature of a standard regulation bat having a standard cylindrical shaped barrel. The flat rectangular sides 18 may range from 1.83 to 2.64 inches in width. The flat rectangular sides 18 can be conceived as the secants or chords of the ‘removed’ circular cross section from an otherwise standard cylindrical bat. The non-hitting rectangular flat surfaces 18 run substantially perpendicular to the hitting surfaces 16.

The bat swinging training device 10 may have a handle portion 12. The handle portion 12 is the same tapering shape and size as a standard baseball/softball bat. Accordingly, the handle portion 12 may have the same elements as that of the handle of a baseball/softball bat, such as handle guides 14, knob, and the like. The handle portion 12 is mostly defined by a relatively short, tapered section.

The curved surfaces 16 are the hitting surfaces. The rectangular sides 18 are substantially flat with, in some embodiments, rounded edges 30 or corners that transition into the curved surfaces 16. The rectangular sides 18 have a width that is less than the secant of the circular segment defining the curved surface 16. The hitting surface 16 is oriented relative to the grain of a wood embodiment such that the grain of the bat will be perpendicular to the ball 22 at contact—i.e., “against the grain”.

As a result, contact between the barrel and the ball 22 that is not on the hitting surface 16, causes a shock, “sting”, or vibrational feedback 20 to a batter's hands at impact. This vibrational feedback 20 is an indication of a mishit and thus of improper orientation of the swing training device 10. For example, when the ball 22 hits a rectangular side 18 or the rounded edge 30, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the result will be noticeable vibrational feedback 20 indicating to the user the mishit. The flat surface 18 of the quasi-stadium configuration, amplifies the traditional shock, “sting”, to a batter's hands at impact, relative to the curved surface of a standard cylindrical bat's, which is one of the advantages of the present invention.

With the present invention, the hitting surfaces 16 are oriented such that it is at the edge grain. If the hitter contacts the ball with the hitting surface 16, he/she will be making contact at the edge grain thus receiving a more solid hit. Relatedly, the novel cross-sectional shape removes guesswork as to what portion of the bat barrel has the sweet spot because a batter striking the ball on the hitting surface 16 will almost always strike the ball against the grain.

The rounded edges/corners 30 may prevent the ball 22 from being cut by the bat should the ball be hit off center and against one of the edges, as illustrated in FIG. 6 .

The flat rectangular sides also improve or at least distinguish the aerodynamics of a properly oriented swing from an improperly oriented swing, which would indicate to the user the difference between proper and improper swing mechanics.

Length of the non-hitting, rectangular surface 18 may be between ten and fourteen inches from the distal end of the device 10 relative to the bat length. The width may near the distal end be approximately 1.0 to 1.3 inches until it tapers away as it extends toward the handle portion 12.

The training device allows hitters to utilize a wood bat and standard ball at game speed to develop “by feel”, whereby the unique vibrational characteristic of wood provides a telltale vibratory feedback for mishits resulting from improper swing mechanics. The relationship between the flat non-hitting surfaces 18 and the rounded hitting surfaces 16 is visibly evident to the user. If the flat non-hitting surfaces 18 is used to hit the ball 22, the vibratory feedback 20 of the training device 10 instantly indicates to the user that they employed an improper bat plane and sequencing. If the rounded hitting surface 16 is used to contact the ball 22, the training device 10 gives the real game feel and speed of a regulation bat.

When using the present invention, the user's body must sequence perfectly for the training device 10 to turn properly around the user's body and through the strike zone so that the hitting surface 16 is “on-plane” with the ball 22. The proper sequencing involves the user dropping barrel behind the shoulder and into the slot as soon as possible as the shoulder sequence will create a proper stretch in the user's body allowing for the rounded striking surface 16 to create the proper on-plane angle towards the ball. Again, if the proper sequence and stretch is not achieved negative feedback 20 of the ball 22 being struck by or contacting the flat side 18 m is immediately felt by the user, as well as provide a nearby coach visible clues by way of excessive spin or misdirection of the ball 22. When used properly, the training device 10 will stay on-plane throughout the entire swing through the ball allowing the shoulder, arms, and body to properly sequence through the swing, creating the perfect proper baseball swing. A coach can also visibly identify the proper spin due to the contrasting flat surface 18 and their relative orientation through the swing.

Additionally, the present invention may be an invaluable training device in any sport or field where it is important to strike a ball with precision, wherein imprecision results in amplified vibratory feedback.

A method of manufacturing the present invention may include the following. A manufacturer may select from ash, maple, bamboo, birch or a laminate thereof, or possibly metal or a combination of building materials used to make a bat that fits regulations for the level of player that will be using the training device 10—i.e., the same size that the player will be using in the game will be the same as the length as the training device 10.

Alternatively, and very conveniently, the manufacturer may start with a pre-existing standard, regulation wood bat. The manufacture removes, by way of longitudinal tangential section cuts, approximately a quarter of an inch off diametrically opposing sides of the barrel, cutting down the grain so that the training device 10 is strong as possible for the speed that it will be used. The quarter of the inch is the sagitta (height) of the circular segment that is being removed with the longitudinal tangential section cuts. The longitudinal tangential section cuts will extend between ten to fourteen inches until they end due to the inward tapering of the barrel as it moves to the handle portion 12. The removed circular segment leaves/forms the flat “rectangular” side 18. The non-removed rounded curved surface on each side are the hitting surfaces 16. These hitting surfaces 16 each have an arc length of approximately two inches.

The handle portion 12 may be provided with guides 14 on both sides thereof to allow the user to know exactly the perfect placement of the hands, further ensuring that every hitter is developing the perfect bat path, sequence, and swing.

The manufacture may then sand and smooth the grains of the bat, then flame treat the grains of the bat to close the grains of the wood so that the user does not cut the ball 22, and so the training device 10 hardens the wood. The manufacturer may treat the wood with a stain, topical color coating, and hardener, thereby allowing for game speed swings against real baseballs or softballs. The multiple layers of coatings after the stain will ensure durability, strength, while allowing the tool to flex and remain intact.

In particular embodiments, the training device 10 may be made of wood though it may alternatively be made of one or more composite or metallic materials. Some examples of suitable composite materials include fiber-reinforced glass, graphite, boron, carbon, aramid, ceramic, Kevlar, aluminum, or another suitable metallic material may also be used to construct the bat.

As used in this application, the term “about” or “approximately” refers to a range of values within plus or minus 10% of the specified number. And the term “substantially” refers to up to 90% or more of an entirety. Recitation of ranges of values herein are not intended to be limiting, referring instead individually to any and all values falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated, and each separate value within such a range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

Where the context permits, singular or plural terms may also include the plural or singular term, respectively. Moreover, unless the word “or” is expressly limited to mean only a single item exclusive from the other items in a list of two or more items, then the use of “or” in such a list is to be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list, (b) all of the items in the list, or (c) any combination of items in the list.

The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (“e.g.,” “such as,” or the like) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the embodiments or the claims. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any unclaimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosed embodiments.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “aligned” means parallel, substantially parallel, or forming an angle of less than 35.0 degrees. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “transverse” means perpendicular, substantially perpendicular, or forming an angle between 55.0 and 125.0 degrees. Also, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “length” means the longest dimension of an object. Also, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “width” means the dimension of an object from side to side. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “above” generally means superjacent, substantially superjacent, or higher than another object although not directly overlying the object. Further, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “mechanical communication” generally refers to components being in direct physical contact with each other or being in indirect physical contact with each other where movement of one component affect the position of the other.

In the following description, it is understood that terms such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” “up,” “down,” and the like, are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms unless specifically stated to the contrary.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A training device, the training device comprising: an elongated barrel having a quasi-stadium cross section.
 2. The training device of claim 1, the quasi-stadium cross section comprising: two hitting surfaces diametrically opposed to each other; and two non-hitting surfaces diametrically opposed to each other.
 3. The training device of claim 2, wherein each hitting surface is a curve having a radius of curvature of a regulation baseball or softball bat relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongated barrel.
 4. The training device of claim 2, wherein each non-hitting surface is a flat surface.
 5. The training device of claim 4, wherein each hitting surface is a curve having a radius of curvature of 1.65 to 1.82 inches relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongated barrel.
 6. The training device of claim 5, wherein each non-hitting surface is offset approximately 1.125 inches or less from said longitudinal axis.
 7. A method of improving a bat to train a user in swinging mechanics, the method comprising cutting two diametrically opposing longitudinal tangential section cuts from a distal end of a regulation bat for said user.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein each longitudinal tangential section cut defines a sagitta height of approximately a quarter of the inch.
 9. A method for improving vibrational feedback of a wood bat, the method comprising cutting two diametrically opposing longitudinal tangential section cuts from a distal end of a regulation bat for said user.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein each longitudinal tangential section cut defines a sagitta height of approximately a quarter of the inch. 